LOVE-LETTERS TO VICTORIA

Hawke's Bay Herald-Tribune, Volume 81, Issue 67, 11 December 1937, Page 3

LOVE-LETTERS TO VICTORIA

Albert's "Most Precious, Most Tentlerly Beloved" COURTSHIP ENDEARMENT Three hitherto " unpublished letters written by Albert, the Prince Consort, to Queen Victoria during the time of their betrothal were published recently inThery are written in German with a fcw phrases in English and Erench, and "du," the intimate form of address, is "TtTstated that the letters are in the private possession of the British Orown and have been kept until now from the eyes of the world. The firsfc letter, dated Windsor Castle, October 15, 1839," must have been written only a few hours after Victoria had sent for Albert and told him that it would make her too happy" if he would consent to lfiarry "Most precious, most tenderly loved Victoria," it begins. "I am so moved by. the proof of trust which you have given by sending ine your letters and the loving sentiments towards me which you express in them that I hardly know how to answer you. "How have I deserved so much love, so much tenderness. I cannot accustom myself to the reality of all that I see and heard and must believe that Heaven bas sent down an angel to me to brighton my life with its glory. "Oh, that I may succeed in making you very, very happy as you deserve! "With life and limb, "I remain ever your slave, your faithful, AEBERT." The second letter is written from Gotha and is dated December 31, 1839. "Once more a dear, dear letter from you," it begins, "which has wholly charmed me because it tells me again that you love me, because it proves to me that you love me truly and faithfully. ' ' Oh, you cannot give me any greater happiness! But why do you call yourself unworthy? I would not permit anybody in the world to say that, so 1 cannot allow ifc from you, for I cannot kear my dear good Victoria being disparaged. I hope that out of fear of tee you will get a better opinion of yourself! "You say that you still believe that the whole thing is only a beautiful dream. I am no better off myself. I cannot get it into my head that it is all true, but I hope that our first rounion will convinco me. "I am glad to hear that the points about the Coburg succession are very much liked in England, as Lord Melbourne says. The arrangement will not be very easy to make here, but I consider it very necessary. "I cannot tell you very much, for nothing worth telling has happened, but here is something: My song about the orange blossom is completed, and to the great satisfaction oi the young and modest author, who thinks that it is one of his most successful works, excellent, unsurpassable in melody and harmony! "With the most submissive devotion, my Littleness ventures to lay at the feet of your Majesty his said work, the said unsurpassable work of an inpired moment of childish humour of the trembling undersigned. "The artist took a great deal of trouble and hopes que sa composition fera de l'effet et aura un peu de succes. "I cannot be sufficiently glad that you are going out for many walks. During the present damp, cold weather that is 'most certainly the most healthy thing and will keep your feet warm. Do you remember how I warmed your dear little hands every day in the lovely

little blue room? In the quiet hours I live on such memories. "Good, dear, lovely Victoria. I am much with you in my thoughts! "Best wishes to Baroness LehzenrVictoria 's old governess. • "Farewell, and remain the true sweetheart of your true "ALBERT." The third letter is dated "Gotha, January 33, 1840" — four weeks before their marriage. It shows that even then Prince Albert was preparing himself for his role of political adviser to the Queen. He writes: "Most precious, most tenderly loved Victoria." "I had just sent off my last letter to you when I received your dear letters of the 30th and 31st. It makes me very happy and proud that you have not altogether found fault with my painting. I agree with you. How happy will the time be when we can paint together. "Regarding Lord Melbourne's letter, I am sorry not to he able tb agree with you that nothing could be better, for it is not clearly expressed and contradict itself. "He describes it as his 'principal object' to avoid anything like a difference of opinion between me and youff Majesty.' "I hope that Lord Melbourne will not believe that we wish to lead a life of bickerings and strive instead of love and unity. But 'an opinion' cannot be coinmanded, for an opinion is the result of reflection and conviction, and you would not be able to respect a man who only reached his own opinion after you had made np your mind and if it was always the same as yours. "It is something else to express the opinion in action where not the slightest difference must be shown. Lord Melbourne further says: 'It would be prudent not to take an active part in political questions, but I should still be considered countenancing the policy of the actual Government. ' "It is possible to do both at the same time, for 'countenancing' is itself a form of 'activity.' '